Washing machine appliances and methods for assembling cabinets of washing machine appliances

ABSTRACT

Methods for assembling cabinets of washing machine appliances, and washing machine appliances, are provided. A method includes plastically bending a first side portion and a second side portion of a main cabinet panel relative to a central portion of the main cabinet panel until a first corner is defined between the first side portion and the central portion and a second corner is defined between the second side portion and the central portion, the first corner and the second corner each having a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 95 degrees. The method further includes elastically bending the first side portion and the second side portion such that the first corner and the second corner each have an elastic inside angle of less than 95 degrees. The method further includes connecting a rear cabinet panel to the first side portion and the second side portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to washing machine appliances, and more particularly to methods for assembling cabinets of washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet which supports a tub for containing wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

The structural integrity of washing machine appliances is of importance from both a performance and appearance standpoint. One issue that is of concern with many presently known washing machine appliances, and particularly with respect to the cabinets thereof, is “oil canning”, which is permanent deformation or buckling of portions of the subject component. After installation of a washing machine appliance or when a washing machine appliance is displayed on a showroom floor, a customer or potential customer may contact the cabinet of a washing machine appliance. In some cases, this contact can cause oil canning of the cabinet, which leaves the cabinet and appliance generally having an undesirable appearance.

Accordingly, improved washing machine appliances and methods for assembling cabinets of washing machine appliances are desired in the art. In particular, appliances and methods which provide improved structural integrity, and which result in reduced or eliminated oil canning potential, would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a cabinet of a washing machine appliance is provided. The method includes plastically bending a first side portion and a second side portion of a main cabinet panel relative to a central portion of the main cabinet panel until a first corner is defined between the first side portion and the central portion and a second corner is defined between the second side portion and the central portion, the first corner and the second corner each having a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 95 degrees. The method further includes elastically bending the first side portion and the second side portion such that the first corner and the second corner each have an elastic inside angle of less than 95 degrees. The method further includes connecting a rear cabinet panel to the first side portion and the second side portion.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet. The cabinet includes a main cabinet panel and a rear cabinet panel, the rear cabinet panel connected to the main cabinet panel, the main cabinet panel including a central portion, a first side portion, a first corner defined between the central portion and the first side portion, an opposing second side portion, and a second corner defined between the central portion and the second side portion, the first corner and the second corner each having a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 95 degrees and an elastic inside angle of less than 95 degrees. The washing machine appliance further includes a tub disposed within the cabinet, and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front, section view of a washing machine appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 provides a rear perspective view of an assembled cabinet of a washing machine appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 provides a front exploded perspective view of an assembled cabinet of a washing machine appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 provides a front view of a main cabinet panel before plastic bending thereof in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 provides a top view of a main cabinet panel after plastic bending thereof in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 provides a top view of a main cabinet panel and rear cabinet panel after elastic bending of the main cabinet panel and connection of the rear cabinet panel to the main cabinet panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 provides a top view of an assembled cabinet after connection of corner brackets to the rear cabinet panel and the main cabinet panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine appliance 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in FIG. 1, washing machine appliance 50 includes a cabinet 52 and a cover 54. A backsplash 56 extends from cover 54, and a control panel 58 including a plurality of input selectors 60 is coupled to backsplash 56. Control panel 58 and input selectors 60 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features, and in one embodiment, a display 61 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. A lid 62 is mounted to cover 54 and is rotatable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 64 (FIG. 2) located within cabinet 52 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) forming an enclosure over tub 64.

Lid 62 in exemplary embodiment includes a transparent panel 63, which may be formed of for example glass, plastic, or any other suitable material. The transparency of the panel 63 allows users to see through the panel 63, and into the tub 64 when the lid 62 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the panel 63 may itself generally form the lid 62. In other embodiments, the lid 62 may include the panel 63 and a frame 65 surrounding and encasing the panel 63. Alternatively, panel 63 need not be transparent.

FIG. 2 provides a front, cross-section views of washing machine appliance 50. As may be seen in FIG. 2, tub 64 includes a bottom wall 66 and a sidewall 68. A wash drum or wash basket 70 is rotatably mounted within tub 64. In particular, basket 70 is rotatable about a vertical axis V. Thus, washing machine appliance is generally referred to as a vertical axis washing machine appliance. Basket 70 defines a wash chamber 73 for receipt of articles for washing and extends, e.g., vertically, between a bottom portion 80 and a top portion 82. Basket 70 includes a plurality of openings or perforations 71 therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 70 and tub 64.

A nozzle 72 is configured for flowing a liquid into tub 64. In particular, nozzle 72 may be positioned at or adjacent top portion 82 of basket 70. Nozzle 72 may be in fluid communication with one or more water sources 75, 76 in order to direct liquid (e.g. water) into tub 64 and/or onto articles within chamber 73 of basket 70. Nozzle 72 may further include apertures 79 through which water may be sprayed into the tub 64. Apertures 79 may, for example, be tubes extending from the nozzles 72 as illustrated, or simply holes defined in the nozzles 72 or any other suitable openings through which water may be sprayed. Nozzle 72 may additionally include other openings, holes, etc. (not shown) through which water may be flowed, i.e. sprayed or poured, into the tub 64.

A main valve 74 (or, alternatively, a plurality of main valves 74) regulates the flow of fluid through nozzle 72. For example, valve 74 can selectively adjust to a closed position in order to terminate or obstruct the flow of fluid through nozzle 72. The main valve 74 may be in fluid communication with one or more external water sources, such as a cold water source 75 and a hot water source 76. The cold water source 75 may, for example, be a commercial water supply, while the hot water source 76 may be, for example, a water heater. Such external water sources 75, 76 may supply water to the appliance 50 through the main valve 74. A cold water conduit 77 and a hot water conduit 78 may supply cold and hot water, respectively, from the sources 75, 76 through valve 74. Valve 74 may further be operable to regulate the flow of hot and cold liquid, and thus the temperature of the resulting liquid flowed into tub 64, such as through the nozzle 72.

An additive dispenser 84 may additionally be provided for directing a wash additive, such as detergent, bleach, liquid fabric softener, etc., into the tub 64. For example, dispenser 84 may be in fluid communication with nozzle 72 such that water flowing through nozzle 72 flows through dispenser 84, mixing with wash additive at a desired time during operation to form a liquid or wash fluid, before being flowed into tub 64. In some embodiments, nozzle 72 is a separate downstream component from dispenser 84. In other embodiments, nozzle 72 and dispenser 84 may be integral, with a portion of dispenser 84 serving as the nozzle 72. A pump assembly 90 (shown schematically in FIG. 2) is located beneath tub 64 and basket 70 for gravity assisted flow to drain tub 64.

An agitation element 92, shown as an impeller in FIG. 2, may be disposed in basket 70 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in chamber 73 of basket 70. In various exemplary embodiments, agitation element 92 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), double action (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or triple action (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, singe direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in FIG. 2, agitation element 92 is oriented to rotate about vertical axis V. Alternatively, basket 70 may provide such agitating movement, and agitation element 92 is not required. Basket 70 and agitation element 92 are driven by a motor 94, such as a pancake motor. As motor output shaft 98 is rotated, basket 70 and agitation element 92 are operated for rotatable movement within tub 64, e.g., about vertical axis V. Washing machine appliance 50 may also include a brake assembly (not shown) selectively applied or released for respectively maintaining basket 70 in a stationary position within tub 64 or for allowing basket 70 to spin within tub 64.

Operation of washing machine appliance 50 is controlled by a processing device or controller 100, that is operatively coupled to the input selectors 60 located on washing machine backsplash 56 (shown in FIG. 1) for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. Controller 100 may further be operatively coupled to various other components of appliance 50, such as main valve 74, motor 94, etc. In response to user manipulation of the input selectors 60, controller 100 may operate the various components of washing machine appliance 50 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 100 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 58 and other components of washing machine appliance 50 may be in communication with controller 100 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

In an illustrative embodiment, a load of laundry articles are loaded into chamber 73 of basket 70, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of control input selectors 60. Tub 64 is filled with water and mixed with detergent to form a liquid or wash fluid. Main valve 74 can be opened to initiate a flow of water into tub 64 via nozzle 72, and tub 64 can be filled to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once tub 64 is properly filled with wash fluid, the contents of the basket 70 are agitated with agitation element 92 or by movement of the basket 70 for cleaning of articles in basket 70. More specifically, agitation element 92 or basket 70 is moved back and forth in an oscillatory motion.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 64 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to tub 64, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, agitation element 92 or basket 70 may again provide agitation within basket 70. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, basket 70 is rotated at relatively high speeds.

While described in the context of specific embodiments of washing machine appliance 50, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that washing machine appliance 50 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations (such as horizontal-axis washing machine appliances), different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 8, embodiments of a cabinet 52 of a washing machine appliance 50 in various states of assembly are shown. The present disclosure thus further provides improved cabinets 52 for washing machine appliance 50, and improved methods for assembling such cabinets 52. As discussed herein, such methods and cabinets advantageously reduce or eliminate oil canning potential of the resulting cabinets.

As illustrated, a cabinet 52 may include a main cabinet panel 200 and a rear cabinet panel 202. The main cabinet panel 200 may include a central portion 204, a first side portion 206, and an opposing second side portion 208. The central portion 204 may generally be considered the front of the cabinet 52 when assembled, while the first side portion 206 and second side portion 208 are considered the sides of the cabinet 52 when assembled. The rear cabinet panel 202 may be considered the back of the cabinet 52 when assembled.

The main cabinet panel 200 is a single piece of material, typically formed from a metal such as steel or aluminum. As shown in FIG. 5, the main cabinet panel 200 may extend between a first outer edge 216 of the first side portion 206 and a second outer edge 218 of the second side portion 208, and the central portion 204 may be disposed between the first side portion 206 and second side portion 208. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 through 8, when assembled and in various states of assembly, a first corner 226 may be defined between the central portion 204 and the first side portion 206 and a second corner 228 may be defined between the central portion 204 and the second side portion 208. The corners 226, 228 may each extend between a top edge 212 and a bottom edge 214 of the main cabinet panel 200, which are spaced apart along the vertical axis V when the washing machine appliance 50 is in an assembled form.

The rear cabinet panel 202 may be connected to the main cabinet panel 200, such as to the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208 thereof, to form the four sides of the cabinet 52. In exemplary embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8, the rear cabinet panel 202 may be connected to the first side portion 206 proximate the first outer edge 216 and the second side portion 208 proximate the second outer edge 218. In some embodiments, mechanical fasteners, such as screws, nut/bolt combinations, nails, rivets, etc. may be utilized for such connection. In other embodiments, the connection may be provided by a mechanical interlock between portions of the rear cabinet panel 202 and the main cabinet panel 200, with no additional mechanical fasteners needed.

Cabinet 52 may additionally include corner brackets which are connected to the main cabinet panel 200 and rear cabinet panel 202 to provide additional stability to the cabinet 52. Each corner bracket may, as illustrated, may have two side walls that are set at or approximately at 90 degrees relative to each other. A corner bracket may additionally include a cross-wall extending between the two side walls, forming a triangle shape. In exemplary embodiments, as shown, each corner bracket may be in the shape or approximately in the shape of a right triangle.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, one or more corner brackets may be connected to the main cabinet panel 200 at the first corner 226, and one or more corner brackets may be connected to the main cabinet panel 200 at the second corner 228. One or more corner brackets may additionally be connected to the main cabinet panel 200 and rear cabinet panel 202 at the corners defined by the connections thereof. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of corner brackets may be connected to the main cabinet panel 200 at the first corner 226, and a plurality of corner brackets may be connected to the main cabinet panel 200 at the second corner 228. A plurality of corner brackets may additionally be connected to the main cabinet panel 200 and rear cabinet panel 202 at the corners defined by the connections thereof. Specifically, each plurality of corner brackets may include a top corner bracket 232 and a bottom corner bracket 234. The top corner bracket 232 may be connected proximate top edge 212 of the main cabinet panel 200 at a corner of the cabinet 52 (such as first corner 226, second corner 228, or a corner defined by the connection of the main cabinet panel 200 and the rear cabinet panel 202). The bottom corner bracket 234 may be connected proximate bottom edge 214 of the main cabinet panel 200 at a corner of the cabinet 52 (such as first corner 226, second corner 228, or a corner defined by the connection of the main cabinet panel 200 and the rear cabinet panel 202).

Notably and advantageously, corners (such as first corner 226, second corner 228, or a corner defined by the connection of the main cabinet panel 200 and the rear cabinet panel 202) of cabinets 52 in accordance with the present disclosure may be free from reinforcement members, such as additional brackets, etc., between the top corner bracket 232 and the bottom corner bracket 234. Further, for example, in exemplary embodiments, an assembled cabinet 52 may be free from internal reinforcement members. Any such reinforcement members are not necessary to the structural integrity of the cabinet 52 due to the assembly of the cabinet 52 as discussed herein. Further, and advantageously, oil canning of the cabinet 52 is reduced or prevented despite the absence of such reinforcement members due to the assembly of the cabinet 52 as discussed herein.

FIGS. 5 through 8 illustrate a cabinet 52 or components thereof in various steps of an assembly process for a cabinet 52. FIG. 5, for example, illustrates main cabinet panel 200 before any bending of the panel 200 to form corners 226, 228 occurs. Referring now to FIG. 6, a method for assembling a cabinet 52 may include, for example, plastically bending the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208 relative to the central portion 204 until the first corner 226 and the second corner 228 are defined. The terms “plastic” or “plastically” refer to plastic deformation, which is generally understood as irreversible and permanent deformation in the context that, once an applied force is no longer being applied, a component subject to such force will not return to its original shape, but will rather stay in the deformed shape. In the case of plastic bending of the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208, such bending may occur until the first corner 226 and the second corner 228 each have a plastic inside angle 246, 248 (respectively) of greater than or equal to 95 degrees. For purposes of the present disclosure, such angles 246, 248 may be measured at the top edge 212 and/or bottom edge 214, and it should be understood that angles between the top edge 212 and bottom edge 214 may be greater (or less) than the required angles 246, 248. In some embodiments, such bending may occur until the first corner 226 and the second corner 228 each have a plastic inside angle 246, 248 (respectively) of between 95 degrees and 105 degrees. In further embodiments, such bending may occur until the first corner 226 and the second corner 228 each have a plastic inside angle 246, 248 (respectively) of between 98 degrees and 102 degrees. In still further embodiments, such bending may occur until the first corner 226 and the second corner 228 each have a plastic inside angle 246, 248 (respectively) of greater than or equal to 100 degrees, or in exemplary embodiments approximately 100 degrees. Accordingly, the resulting cabinet 52 may have first corners 226 and second corners 228 with plastic inside angles 246, 248 (respectively) as discussed above.

In accordance with the present disclosure, no additional plastic bending, and resulting plastic deformation, of the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208 with respect to the first corner 226 and the second corner 228 may occur. The present inventors have discovered that by limiting such plastic deformation such that the plastic inside angles 246, 248 are greater than or equal to 95 degrees, oil canning of the resulting assembled cabinet 52 is substantially reduced. Further, oil canning is further reduced as the angle is increased beyond 95 degrees. For example, the present inventors have discovered that oil canning can be virtually eliminated when the plastic inside angles 246, 248 are greater than or equal to 100 degrees, such as approximately 100 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a method for assembling a cabinet 52 may further include, for example, elastically bending the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208 such that the first corner 226 and the second corner 228 each have an elastic inside angle 256, 258 (respectively) of less than 95 degrees. In exemplary embodiments, the elastic inside angles 256 and 258 may be approximately 90 degrees. For purposes of the present disclosure, such angles 256, 258 may be measured at the top edge 212 and/or bottom edge 214, and it should be understood that angles between the top edge 212 and bottom edge 214 may be greater (or less) than the required angles 256, 258. The terms “elastic” or “elastically” refer to elastic deformation, which is generally understood as reversible and temporary deformation in the context that, once an applied force is no longer being applied, a component subject to such force will return to its original shape, rather than stay in the deformed shape. In the case of elastic bending of the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208, such bending occurs beyond the plastic bending to the requisite elastic inside angles 256, 258 (respectively), but it should be understood that if the bending force on the first side portion 206 and second side portion 208 was released, the corners 226 and 228 would return to the plastic inside angles 246, 248.

Referring still to FIG. 7, a method for assembling a cabinet 52 may further include, for example, connecting the rear cabinet panel 202 to the main cabinet panel 200, such as to the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208 thereof. The rear cabinet panel 202 may be connected as discussed above. Notably, the rear cabinet panel 202 may be connected to the first side portion 206 and the second side portion 208 after the first side portion 206 and second side portion 208 have been elastically bent as discussed above, and while the elastic inside angles 256 and 258 are maintained. Accordingly, the force on the first side portion 206 and second side portion 208 are not released, but are rather maintained by the connection of the rear cabinet panel 202 to the main cabinet panel 200. Because the side portions 206 and 208 are thus maintained in position such that the elastic inside angles 256 and 258 are maintained, an opposing tensile force is provided by the side portions 206 and 208. The present inventors have discovered that, when the side portions 206 and 28 are plastically bent and then elastically bent to the respective angles as discussed above, oil canning is advantageously substantially reduced or eliminated.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, a method for assembling a cabinet 52 may further include, for example, connecting one or more corner brackets to the main cabinet panel 202 and the rear cabinet panel 202. Corner brackets may be connected to the main cabinet panel 202 at the first corner 226 and the second corner 228, and may further be connected at the corners defined by the connections of the main cabinet panel 200 and the rear cabinet panel 202, as discussed above. The connection of the corner brackets advantageously maintains the elastic bend of the first side portion 206 and second side portion 208, and further maintains the elastic inside angles 256 and 258 at least proximate the top edge 212 and bottom edge 214.

The present inventors have further discovered that when the side portions 206 and 28 are plastically bent and then elastically bent to the respective angles as discussed above and the rear cabinet panel 202 and corner brackets are connected, as discussed herein, the elastic inside angles 256 and 258 are maintained (due to the corner brackets) at least proximate the top edge 212 and bottom edge 214, but the inside angles of the corners 226, 228 between the top edge 212 and bottom edge 214 become greater than the elastic inside angles 256, 258, due to the outward tensile force of the first side portion 206 and second side portion 208. Bowing of the corners 226, 228 may thus be perceived. The present inventors have discovered that such bowing is particularly advantageous, as it reduces or prevents oil canning Further, such reduction and/or prevention may advantageously be accomplished through the plastic bending, elastic bending and connecting as discussed above, without the need for internal reinforcement members or reinforcement members between top brackets 232 and bottom brackets 234 as discussed above.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for assembling a cabinet of a washing machine appliance, the method comprising: plastically bending a first side portion and a second side portion of a main cabinet panel relative to a central portion of the main cabinet panel until a first corner is defined between the first side portion and the central portion and a second corner is defined between the second side portion and the central portion, the first corner and the second corner each having a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 95 degrees; elastically bending the first side portion and the second side portion such that the first corner and the second corner each have an elastic inside angle of less than 95 degrees; and connecting a rear cabinet panel to the first side portion and the second side portion.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have a plastic inside angle of between 95 degrees and 105 degrees.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have a plastic inside angle of between 98 degrees and 102 degrees.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 100 degrees.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have an elastic inside angle of approximately 90 degrees.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the rear cabinet panel is connected to the first side portion proximate an outer edge of the first side portion and the rear cabinet panel is connected to the second side portion proximate an outer edge of the second side portion.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising connecting a corner bracket to the main cabinet panel at the first corner and connecting a corner bracket to the main cabinet panel at the second corner.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein each corner bracket is a plurality of corner brackets, the plurality of corner brackets comprising a top corner bracket and a bottom corner bracket.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first corner and the second corner are each free from reinforcement members between the top corner bracket and the bottom corner bracket.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the assembled cabinet is free from internal reinforcement members.
 11. A washing machine appliance, comprising: a cabinet, the cabinet comprising a main cabinet panel and a rear cabinet panel, the rear cabinet panel connected to the main cabinet panel, the main cabinet panel comprising a central portion, a first side portion, a first corner defined between the central portion and the first side portion, an opposing second side portion, and a second corner defined between the central portion and the second side portion, the first corner and the second corner each having a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 95 degrees and an elastic inside angle of less than 95 degrees; a tub disposed within the cabinet; and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing.
 12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have a plastic inside angle of between 95 degrees and 105 degrees.
 13. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have a plastic inside angle of between 98 degrees and 102 degrees.
 14. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have a plastic inside angle of greater than or equal to 100 degrees.
 15. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the first corner and the second corner each have an elastic inside angle of approximately 90 degrees.
 16. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the rear cabinet panel is connected to the first side portion proximate an outer edge of the first side portion and the rear cabinet panel is connected to the second side portion proximate an outer edge of the second side portion.
 17. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the cabinet further comprises a corner bracket connected to the main cabinet panel at the first corner and a corner bracket connected to the main cabinet panel at the second corner.
 18. The washing machine appliance of claim 17, wherein each corner bracket is a plurality of corner brackets, the plurality of corner brackets comprising a top corner bracket and a bottom corner bracket.
 19. The washing machine appliance of claim 18, wherein the first corner and the second corner are each free from reinforcement members between the top corner bracket and the bottom corner bracket.
 20. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the assembled cabinet is free from internal reinforcement members. 